Daniel levinson adult development theory

The stage-crisis view is a theory of adult development that was established by Daniel Levinson. Crises are also experienced throughout the lifecycle and occur when one become burdened by either internal or external factors, such as during the midlife crisis that occurs during the midlife transition from early adulthood to middle adulthood. Levinson researched both men and women, and found that they typically go through the same cycles, though he suggested that women's cycles were more closely tied to the domestic sphere , or their family life. Although not widely accepted, his theories entail many implications for both behavioral and cultural psychology. Within his theory, Daniel Levinson explains both the concept of adulthood itself as well as the stages by which development occurs.

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Many of the developmental tasks of early adulthood involve becoming part of the adult world and gaining independence. Young adults sometimes complain that they are not treated with respect-especially if they are put in positions of authority over older workers. Consequently, young adults may emphasize their age to gain credibility from those who are even slightly younger. The focus of early adulthood is often on the future.

Because it is a stage theory. According to Levinson, individuals have different life structures at different times during their adult years and move from one to another through transition periods lasting about five years. Levinson divides our adult years into four major eras, each separated from the next by a transition period. As you can see, the first transition occurs between the pre-adult eras, the time before we are adults, and early adulthood. Once this first transition is complete, individuals enter early adulthood.